|PS 3523 
1665 



TV 



59/g^s Qxchanged; 




THE HUT 

Price, 35 Cents 




WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 

BOSTON 



J WIGS 

AND OTHER HAIR GOODS 

WHISKERS AND MUSTACHES 

State Color Wanted on Hair Goods. 

Full Beard on Wire $1.50 Side Whiskers on Gauze. .$1.00 

Full Beard on Gauze 2.25 Side Whiskers on Wire. . . .75 

Chin Beard on Gauze, 6 in. Throat Whiskers on Gauze I.io 

long I.35 Throat Whiskers on Wire. .75 

Chin Beard on Gauze, 4 in. Santa Claus Beard on 

long 1.00 Wire 2.50 

Chin Beard on Wire 75 Mustache on Gauze. ..... . .30 

Tramp Beard on Cambric Goatee on Gauze 30 

(black and brown only) . 1.25 

MEN'S WIGS 
State Color Wanted on Hair Goods. 

Dress, with parting, all Modern Japanese 5.00 

colors $6.00 Chinese with Queue, 

" Uncle Josh " 6.00 chamois top 5.00 

Dutch 6.50 Clown, plain 1.25 

Irish, chamois top 6.00 With 3 knobs 2.00 

Jew Character 5.00 Negro, black, for Min- 

Crop, Red and Blond 4.50 strels, etc I.25 

Other colors 4.25 Negro, Old Man, White 

Court or Colonial $5.50 or Gray 2-25 

Indian 6.00 Negro, Bald, White or 

Gray 3.25 

LADIES' WIGS 

State Color Wanted on Hair Goods. 

Soubrette, all colors $6.50 Court or Colonial $8.50 

Old Maid, all colors 9.00 Indian Girl 6.00 

Irish Biddy 9.00 Negro Mammy 3.00 

Sis Hopkins 6.50 Topsy 2.25 

Crepe Hair, Different colors, for making mustaches, etc 

Per yard, .45 ; half yard 25 

In ordering Wigs give Size of Hat. State Color Wanted on 
Hair Goods. Wigs not rented but made to order. Usually goods 
can be sent by return mail, but it is best to allow a margin of 
two or three days. 

C. O. D. orders must be accompanied by twenty-five per cent 
of price. Do not send order 4 by telegraph on a few hours' 
notice. 

All hair and make-up goods sent by mail or express prepaid, 
unless otherwise stated. Prices on hair goods subject to change 
without notice. 

A /ways * id your orders to 

WALTER H* BAKER CO*, Boston, Mass. 



The Hut 

A Comedy in Three Acts 



By 
FANNIE BARNETT LINSKY 

Author of "Patsy," " Forest Acres," etc., etc. 




BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 

1922 



The Hut -<-^^ 



CHARACTERS 



MacGregor Spillane, Proprietor of il The Hut* 
John Rand, 



James Lodge, 
Hallam Carleton, 
Simon Semple, 
Lawrence Orme, 
Abner, the chore boy. 
Grimes, Semple s chauffeur. 
Dicky, Orme s son. 

MCKINNON, ) r , ,. rr 

Lane \ ^ eieciive officers. 



Guests at " The Hut r 



Time. — Present. 

Scene. — The living-room of "The Hut"; a country Health 
and Rest Retreat for the tired business man. 

Act I. — Late afternoon in October. Pajamas $5.00. 
Act II. — The next day. The gift of the storm. Scene 1, morn- 
ing. Scene 2, late evening. 
Act III. — Two days later. The Governor takes a hand. 




Copyright, 1922, by Fannie B. Linsky 
As author and proprietor 

All rights reserved. 

©CI.D 61807 
AUG -4 1922 



STAGE SETTING AND PROPERTIES 

SCENERY 

The room should be furnished with modern furniture 
suited to a lounging room for men. A piano, a table 
with magazines, some smokers' articles, comfortable easy 
chairs and foot rests, scattered about where convenient. 
A gate-leg table should rest in one corner, which is 
brought to c. for meal. Pillows, lamps, etc. 

There should be exits at l. and r., and a door at Rear 
which looks out to grounds. If possible, have as much 
of outdoor scene as can be seen through door, visible to 
audience, showing a road, trees, etc. A window, also at 
Rear, through which light of a full moon shines into the 
room. Another window at r., near back, where Rand 
and Mac look out when shots are heard. 

An open fireplace with logs burning will add greatly 
to the scene. Some logs, andirons and a fire screen, if 
possible. 

Autumn leaves or flowers in bowls, for decoration. 
An attractive room. 



PROPERTIES 



A set of oilskins for Mac. A suitcase filled with 
feminine silk lingerie. An old-fashioned gold locket for 
Rand. A small hip pocket bottle, presumably filled with 
whiskey, for Semple. 

The revolver shots, being fired off stage, may be 
achieved in any convenient way. 

All kinds of fishing tackle, poles, lines, hooks, pails, etc. 

Some tennis rackets, a football, and any other neces- 
saries for athletic sports. 

A pair of men's pajamas, rumpled and unironed, A 
"stage" five-dollar bill. 



4 COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

An auto horn, and any device to make the sound of 
starting the engine of a car. 

Dishes and silver to lay properly the table for a meal. 
A tray or basket to carry them in. A table-cloth and 
napkins. 

A string of pearls and a pin, presumably set with 
diamonds. 

An outfit for a game of checkers. 

A corn popper, a lantern, and a pair of handcuffs. 

Two china eggs. 

Any convenient arrangement of red lights may be used 
to show the light in the fireplace and the bonfire. 
Latter occurs off at some distance from stage, and can 
be very easily represented by having papers kept burning 
in some large receptacle. 

It would add greatly to the general effectiveness of the 
play if one, or even two, dogs could be introduced. One, 
an old dog, could represent the " Scottie " of the play. 
The other, a young and frisky animal, could be put 
through any number of tricks, and be a general com- 
panion and playfellow of the guests. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

COSTUMES 

All the characters should wear costumes suited to 
" roughing it " in the country. Gray flannel shirts and 
khaki trousers are suggested, with sweaters and caps for 
outdoors. The costumes remain the same throughout 
the play, the single exception being in the first act. 
Semple, on his arrival at " The Hut," should be dressed 
in regulation attire for a city business man, and should 
be wrapped as well in several extra auto robes and 
blankets. Grimes should wear a regulation chauffeur's 
costume. Both appear later, however, in the same sort 
of outfit as the others, presumably borrowed. 

Tn the last act, Dicky and the Detectives wear regula- 
tion men's clothes. 



CHARACTERISTICS 

Mac. Should be a Scotchman, slow and deliberate in 
manner. A man past middle age, kindly, but taciturn. 
Slight Scotch accent if desired. 

Rand. Should be a fine looking man, still young, who 
shows that he is used to authority and capable of exer- 
cising it. A successful lawyer and executive. 

Semple. A man of wealth, quick, nervous, irascible. 
Long-headed, but short-tempered. Sharp and impatient, 
but good-hearted. A man over forty. 

Orme. Shrewd and keen, as befits a detective of long 
experience. Inclined to be a little stern and harsh in 
manner. A man who takes his own trouble very much 
to heart. Of middle age. 

Lodge and Carleton. Good-looking, clean cut youths 
in the early twenties. Carleton, if possible, to look rather 
delicate in health. Lodge, to be full of life and " pep." 

Dicky. The average youth of nineteen of the present 
time. Should be as nearly as possible of the same height 
and general build as Grimes. 

Grimes. A chauffeur who allows himself to be bullied 
by his employer. He should act as though afraid of 
Semple, but very much attached to Rand. 

Abner. A slow-witted, faithful plodding chore-boy, 
absolutely devoted to Mac. 

The Voice. Since this voice is only heard off stage 
it may be any member of the company simulating the 
voice of an old darky woman. Since the arm is shown 
to the audience, it will be necessary to have some one 
black up one arm for this purpose. Any one of the 
company not on stage at these times may play the part. 



The Hut 



ACT I 
SCENE. — The living-room of " The Hut." 

{The curtain rises on Orme, asleep in an armchair. 
Carleton whittling and whistling or playing with 
dog. Enter James Lodge with fishing implements. ) 

Lodge. Hi ! Hal ! (Puts things dozvn. Sees Orme. ) 
Gee ! Our friend certainly believes in the rest cure, all 
right. Seems to me he sleeps twenty-three hours out 
of twenty-four. 

Carleton. Well, that's what he's here for. Did you 
have any luck? 

Lodge. You bet! Got a couple of beauties. I'd 
rather take my rest cure figuring it out with a couple of 
these down by the bank (Holds up fish.) than to sleep my 
brains away like that. (Nods at sleeper.) 

Carl. Every one to his own taste, my boy, as we are 
told the lady said when she kissed the cow. Arid, say, 
do you know (Lowering his voice.), somehow, he seems 
queer to me. I don't think he rests much, for all his 
sleeping. I'll bet you a trout hook against a couple of 
flies that that old chap's got something on his mind that's 
worrying him. 

Lodge. I don't know but what you're right, Hal. 
You usually are pretty quick at sizing up a situation. 
(Busies himself with line, hooks, tackle, etc.) What do 
you suppose it is? 

Carl. Qh, Heaven knows. Might be any one of a 



8 THE HUT 

hundred things. Who can tell ? Money, family troubles, 
business worries, disappointment in love, lots of things 
that it might be. 

Lodge (slowly). Nope. He looks too old for a dis- 
appointment in love. 

Carl. Well, you know, the older they get the harder 
they fall. 

Lodge. Yes, I know, that's what they say. But it's 
not so. God knows, no one ever fell harder than I did — 
and what did it get me — no — I guess I'm the only one of 
Spillane's guests that's here to try and mend a broken 
heart. 

Carl. Sh — sh — shsh! Not so loud. The old boy 
might hear you. Besides, Jim, you know what I've told 
you. Hearts don't break so quickly nowadays and you 
mustn't give up so easily. You may win out yet. 

Lodge. Yes. That sounds fine, I know. I used to 
kid myself along like that a while back, but I'm all 
through with that stuff now. Say (Becomes excited and 
raises his voice.), now I ask you, Hal, what right have I 
got to even ask a girl with a bank 

(Orme rouses. Lets paper fall. Slowly wakens.) 

Orme. Um-Um — Hm — Um! Yes, yes, of course. 
Certainly. I believe I must have fallen asleep over the 
paper. Hope I haven't disturbed you gentlemen. 

Carl. Disturbed us ! Oh, dear no. To tell the truth, 
we were both so tired that it was only your snoring that 
kept us awake. 

Orme (sitting up). Snoring! Snoring! God bless 
my soul, man, no one ever told me that I snored. Are 
you sure? 

Lodge. Don't you mind him, Mr. Orme, he's only 
kidding you. I've been in here for quite a while and I 
never heard you snore once. 

Orme. Oh, thanks, my boy, thanks. Now you've re- 
stored some of my self-respect. I never had much pa- 
tience with a snorer — nor with a sleepy-head either, for 
that matter. 

Lodge. You should have been down by the brook with 



THE HUT 9 

me, Mr. Orme. It was too nice a day to waste indoors 
sleeping. Mac'll get after you if he finds it out. Look ! 
{Holds up fish.) These gentlemen keep you much too 
busy to think of sleep or anything else, for that matter. 

Orme. Well, then I certainly should go after them, 
for the very thing I came up here for was, just that — to 
find something that would stop me from thinking for a 
while. {There is a silence for a moment, then Orme 
sighs audibly.) Well, I mustn't burden you youngsters 
with an old man's grumblings. By the way, where is our 
amiable host and boss, Mr. MacGregor Spillane ? 

Carl. Oh, he hitched up his Rolls Royce and went 
down to the station to meet the next arrival. 

Orme. Ha. That so ? Who's coming now ? 

Lodge. Say, ask us something easy. Did you ever 
know Mr. MacGregor Spillane to open his head to any 
one of his gang to tell 'em a word about any one else 
who was, is, or intends to be a member? 

Carl. I surely never did. He's a pretty close-mouthed 
old duffer, but he's a little bit of all right, Mac is, just 
the same. 

Orme. I agree with you there, Carleton, and perhaps 
the fact that he is so careful about other people's affairs 
is what has helped to make this place as popular and suc- 
cessful as it is. 

Lodge. Say, by the way, where's the new man that 
came this morning? I haven't seen him around very 
much. 

Carl. He went down to the station with Mac. Say, 
Jim, do you know that this new chap — Rand, wasn't it, 
Mr. Orme — you met him. 

Orme. Yes. Mr. John Rand was the name Mac gave 
when he introduced me. 

Carl. Well, his face looks kind of familiar to me, do 
you know it, Jim? Seems as though I'd seen him some- 
where. 

Lodge. Well, maybe you have. You'll have to get 
real chummy with him over the wood-pile to-morrow 
morning and then maybe you'll recollect where you last 
met him. 

Orme. I thought him a very fine looking man — one of 



IO THE HUT 

the kind that might be expected to be a very successful 
business man. 

Carl. That's right ! I thought the same thing. Kind 
of a chap who looks as though he had lots of authority, 
and knew how to use it. But I wonder where I've seen 
him before. Well, it'll come to me, I suppose, but, say, 
this isn't getting these fish ready for supper, Jim — I sup- 
pose they're for supper, eh? 

Lodge. What — yes — oh, yes — I suppose so. I did 
think at first that if I got any real big ones, that I'd pack 
'em and send 'em off — down home — but — no — I guess 
not. Come on, Hal, we'll get 'em all fixed up and cook 
'em in honor of the new arrivals. 

{He picks up pail and goes toward door. An auto 
horn sounds outside. He opens door quickly and 
collides forcibly with man just about to enter. 
Lodge backs into room; the other stands in doorway, 
bundled up in several layers of robes. They stare at 
each other.) 

Semple {angrily). Who the devil are you, sir? 

Lodge {ruefully rubbing bump on his forehead). Per- 
mit me to return your compliment — Who the hell are 
you? (Orme and Carleton laugh.) 

Semple {angrily). I — I — I am Simon Semple, sir, 
and I've been riding round this beastly country with that 
fool chauffeur of mine since eleven o'clock this morning 
looking for a place called " Spillane's." 

Carl. Well, you've found it. Won't you take off 
some of your extra wraps and stay a while ? 

Semple. Found it ! Found it ! Is this it? This ! 

Carl. Sure. This is " it " — known in polite language 
as " The Hut," the place where the tired business man 
shakes his tired feeling, lives the simple life and com- 
munes with Nature ; alternately bossed, bullied, and bun- 
coed by one Mr. MacGregor Spillane. 

Simple. Well, thank Heaven, I'm here. I'm nearly 
frozen. I've been as close to Nature as I want to get for 
some time. {Begins taking off some " layers' 9 grumbling 



THE HUT II 

s all the time.) That fool chauffeur, the blooming idiot, 
etc. 

Lodge {sarcastically, still rubbing). Well, since you've 
done me the honor to tell me your name, permit me to do 
the "pretty" for the house. {Introduces all) Mr. 
Simon Semple ; Mr. Lawrence Orme ; Mr. Hallam Carle- 
ton, and your humble servant, James Lodge. 

Semple. Hem, a-hem. Glad to know you all, I'm 
sure. I'm so blooming cold my teeth are chattering. 
Got anything here to warm me up ? 

Orme {giving him a sharp look). No — er — that is, 
yes. We've got a few more logs outside in the wood- 
pile. But I guess 

Semple. Oh, Lord, I didn't mean anything like that. 
I meant 

Lodge, You don't have to tell us in seven different 
languages what you meant, Mr. Semple. We weren't any 
of us born yesterday. But you probably don't know 
that the stuff you mention is absolutely forbidden here, 
even as medicine. Fd as soon wave a red flag in front 
of an angry bull as to let Mac see a bottle of Hootch 
in "The Hut." 

Semple {testily). Well, forbidden or not, I've got to 
have something to warm me up. 

Carl. I could make you some hot tea. I'm quite an 
expert. 

Semple {in disgust). Tea ! Man, I'm not sick ! I'm 
only cold! {Goes to door.) Where is that idiot of a 
driver? Hey there, Grimes. Come in here with my 
bags. Hurry up. Bring the small black bag especially. 
And be quick about it. 

Grimes {outside, shouts). Is this the right place, sir? 

Semple {yells). Yes, yes, confound you. Don't stop 
to ask questions. Of course this is the place. {Turns 
to others.) Thank Heaven it is — I don't think I could 
have stood five minutes more of this infernal country. 

Grimes {at door). Here you are, sir. Here's the 
black one. What shall I do now, sir? 

Semple {goes to door; takes bag). Do now, you 
idiot — what do you suppose you're to do find the garage, 
of course, and put the car in it. Then come hack here 



12 THE HUT 

for orders, and bring my other case with you when you 
come. I mean the one with my things in it. I'll keep it 
here till I find out where my quarters are to be. (Others 
exchange amused glances. Semple comes to c. with 
small black grip. Business of opening and extracting 
brushes, razors, etc., in an effort to find small bottle of 
liquor. Finally holds up bottle with evident pride.) 
Well, gentlemen, this is some of the real old stuff. Will 
you join me? 

(All decline. He drinks, and puts the bottle away.) 

Lodge. Mac doesn't stand for anything like that up 
here. The only kind of warming up that he allows is a 
swing at the wood-pile of a morning, or a few extra 
setting-up exercises. 

Semple. Exercises! Ugh! I hate 'em. I came out 
here for a rest. (Rubs his hands, clears his throat, and 
seems more cheerful after the drink.) And, by Gosh! 
I need it ! I sent my wife and niece off to Atlantic City 
by themselves so I wouldn't have to listen to any more of 
their foolish chatter about " love affairs " and " the latest 
lines from Paris." Ugh ! These women ! 

Carl. Well, there'll be none of them round here to 
bother you. Not a woman on the place except old Jinny, 
who does the wash, and she never shows her face beyond 
that door. 

Lodge. No, and if she did, it would probably scare 
you, it's so black. 

Orme. Well, she's a good-natured darky for all that. 
I wrapped a couple of my good linen handkerchiefs 
around a trout the other day when I was trying to get 
the hook out, and of course they got all stained up. 
Then I gave them to Jinny to wash, and she called me 
over this morning and presented me with an armful of 
rags, and wanted to know " if I thought the fish's feel- 
ings wouldn't be hurt, would I please use these the next 
time." 

Carl (laughing). Well, surely, Jinny doesn't lack a 
sense of humor. 

Semple. You fellows seem to have a pretty good time 
up here. I take it you like the place. 



THE HUT 13 

Lodge. Best ever ! You'll think so, too, before you've 
been here forty-eight hours. 

Orme. The old crowd comes back year after year. 
I guess that's the acid test for a place like this. And 
Mac Spillane's the " Salt of the Earth." 

Carl. So say I. 

Lodge. And so say I. 

Sejviple. But, say now, I'm forgetting all about him. 
Where is my host? This is my first trip up here. I 
haven't even seen him. 

Lodge. Why, he's gone down to the station to meet a 
new arrival. 

Carl. By Jove, it must be you he's gone to meet. 
Did you let him know you were coming up by machine ? 

Semple. Let him know? Of course I didn't. I left 
early this morning. I expected to be here hours before 
he'd even be thinking of going down to the train. But 
there isn't a decent automobile road within twenty miles 
of this place. Your friend can't be much of a business 
man or he'd get the town to improve the roads around 
here, and boom his place up a bit. 

Orme. Well, that's just what he doesn't want to do. 
He doesn't lack for guests, either, Mr. Semple, but he 
doesn't want any of your buzz- wagons round the place. 

Lodge. That's right, Mr. Semple. Didn't I tell you 
this is where you lead the simple life? 

Orme. Thank goodness, Mac knows enough not to 
wait around too long for any train. Besides, he's got 
Mr. Rand with him, so he'll not lack for company. I'll 
show you where the pump is, Mr. Semple, if you want to 
wash up a bit. 

Semple. Wash up — well, I guess I need to. That re- 
minds me. Where's that fool chauffeur of mine with my 
grip ? I tell you, fellows, when I watched that idiot walk- 
ing down the path from my front door this morning 
with my niece's suitcase in one hand and mine in the 
other, I patted myself on the back, and promised myself 
a real vacation for once in my life. Gad! I'm all 
nerves. 

Grimes (at door). Here's your luggage, sir. {Conies 
in.) And hang it all, sir, if 1 can find anything that looks 



14 THE HUT 

like a garage within two miles of this place. There's 
nothing but an old wagon shed back of the house. 

Semple. Bah ! You must be getting blind. 

Orme. No, don't blame your man, Semple. He's 
right. There isn't any garage, for the simple reason 
that Mac doesn't allow any cars up here. He took it 
for granted that you knew, I suppose. You see, it's 
" Back to Nature " for fair. We fellows all know about 
it, of course; we've been here so often. 

Semple (amazed) . No machines ! Good Lord ! How 
do you get anywhere? 

Lodge. We don't ! And when we do — we walk. 

Semple. Bah ! I hate to walk. 

Carl. Besides, there ain't nowheres to " get " ! The 
nearest place is about seven miles from here. 

Semple. Seven miles — no autos — Good Heavens — 
what kind of a place is this anyway! I suppose you 
have a telephone? 

Carl. Well, there is one, but we can't use it. It's 
locked up in Mac's Sanctum Sanctorum, his private of- 
fice over on the other lot. Mac gets all the messages 
first — then, if he thinks it wise — or necessary — he passes 
them on. 

Semple. Say, who does he think he is around here — 
the German Kaiser? I figured that I was coming to a 
place where I could do as I pleased. I've had enough 
bossing to suit me for a while. I don't know — I don't 
believe this is the kind 

Lodge. Oh, it isn't as bad as it sounds, Mr. Semple. 
You'll be crazy about it in a couple of days. Every one 
is that comes here. 

Carl. Of course you will. You see, Mac doesn't 
want cars and telephones and all that sort of thing, be- 
cause he wants his men to leave all cares and worries 
behind them. Cut loose from all the things they regu- 
larly do, and just come up here and be " kids " all over 
again. 

Semple. Well, maybe he's got the right idea, but it 
sounds kind of strange to me — but, say, I've got a flannel 
shirt and a pair of khaki trousers in my grip — maybe if 
I get into them I'll feel more at home here. 



THE HUT 15 

Orme. That's a good idea. You can change in my 
bunk and then well wash up and these lads can broil the 
fish they've just promised me for my supper. 

Semple. Open the case, Grimes. I just feel like 
seeing myself all dressed up in what's packed in that 

grip. It's been a long time (Grimes meantime 

opens case, fumbling with lock. Semple stands over 
him.) Well — I'll be — hanged. You blooming idiot. 
What the devil do you mean by making a fool of me like 
that? {Scoops up an armful of feminine silk "undies" 
and holds them out in disgust.) Ever see a flannel shirt 
that looked like that (Shakes out crepe de chine " com- 
bination") or a pair of khaki trousers like this {Waves 
a pair of silk knickers.), or a suit of pajamas like this? 
(Unfurls a silk "nighty" Stops as a thought strikes 
him.) Pajamas ! Great Caesar's ghost ! What am I go- 
ing to do up in a wilderness like this without even a pair 
of pajamas? (Walks up and down in rage.) 

Carl. Oh, well, I wouldn't let it upset me like that, 
Mr. Semple. I guess we can fix you up all right. 

Semple. Much obliged — but bah! I hate borrowed 
stuff. I'd just as soon borrow a man's pajamas as — 
as — his 

Lodge ( hopefully ) . Tooth brush ? 

Semple (raging). Yes, sir — as his tooth brush, and 
by Gad, I'm not going to either. (Drops stuff back into 
case and gives the case a kick. Puts hand in pocket and 
extracts a bill. Thrusts it forcibly at Grimes. Grimes 
backs a few steps.) There, you blooming idiot. Take 
that, and take that machine, and go, and don't come back 
here till you've got me a pair of pajamas somewhere. 

Grimes (apologetically). But, Mr. Semple, sir, there 
ain't no stores — nowhere around here. Don't you know 
how we looked for one on the way up ? 

Semple. Know! Know! I don't know anything, 
and you know less. There's five dollars. Now git! 
And don't you come back without those pajamas if you 
have to beg, borrow or steal 'em. Git ! 

(Grimes opens mouth several tunes, as if to speak. 
Closes it again. Goes out shaking head dubiously. 



l6 THE HUT 

Noise of engine starting, honk of horn, sound of 
departing auto. Semple throws himself into chair 
like a sulky boy. Orme picks up offending suitcase, 
puts it on table, takes out crumpled mass of siltt. 
Gives Lodge and Carleton each a part and all three 
make ludicrous attempts to fold neatly and repack in 
case. Noise outside of wagon on gravel walk. 
Sound of " Whoa there, Bess — Hi, Abner, where are 
you? ") 

{Enter Mac Spillane and John Rand. Spillane 
gives one look at the three men, who pretend not 
to see him, and very elaborately shake out under- 
wear and fold and refold. Mac removes pipe from 
his mouth — puts it back, takes out specs, puts them 
on, looks — looks again. Takes off specs, deliber- 
ately puts them away, puffs a couple of times on pipe 
then casually speaks.) 

Mac. I suppose that there is a new kind of bait fer 
the fishes. 

Orme. Why no, Mac, I should say it was a very old 
kind of feed for the chickens. 

Mac. Wall, I take it some one's blundered, fer there's 
no chickens in this coop — least aways there's only one old 
black hen that I know about, and she 

{Black arm protrudes in through door. Raps smartly 
on casing. Voice of old darky outside.) 

Voice {off stage). Marse Lodge and Marse Carl, 
does you care fo' starch in you' B. V. D/s? 

{All laugh heartily.) 

Lodge. No, thanks, Jinny, just do "em up to suit your- 
self; Carl and I are not fussy. Besides {To others.), 
we're thinking of adopting crepe de chine for our " next 
friend "—hey, Hal? 

Carl. Sure thing — and now, come on there, Mac, you 
old clam — you know you're just dying to ask where all 



THE HUT 



l 7 



this came from. Speak up now — and tell us your news 
first. 

Mac News ? Sure, man, I have no news. Mr. Rand 
and I met the train all right, but there was no one on it — 
least aways no one for " The Hut." I was expecting to 
greet a Mr. Simon Semple who was due here to-day, but 
he was not there, and if one o' you can tell me where he 
is I'll be obliged to ye ! 

Rand (coming forward). Looks to me as though he's 
right here, Mac. Better put your specs on again. 

Semple. The gentleman's right, Mr. Spillane. I 
thought I wouldn't break into this little party till these 
boys had got through poking fun at me. I'm Simon 
Semple, and I've a couple of apologies and a few more 
explanations to make to you for the way in which I 
landed here. 

Mac. I'm glad to meet you, Semple. As f er apologies 
they're never needed round here and I guess as long as 
you're safely here, the explanations can wait. This is 
Mr. Rand, Mr. Semple, and I guess you've made your- 
self acquainted with everybody else. 

Semple. Glad to know you, Mr. Rand. 

(They shake hands.) 

Rand. Welcome to " The Hut," Semple. Hope you'll 
like it as well as the rest of us do. 

Semple (slowly). Seems to me your face looks kind 
of familiar to me, Mr. Rand. Have we ever met before, 
do you think? (Others look up, interested.) 

Rand (easily). Well — not that I know of, Mr. Sem- 
ple. I meet many men in the course of the day's work, 
however — it's barely possible you may have been one. 

Semple. Well, do you happen to be one of the Rands 
of the firm of Rand and 

(Enter Abner.) 

Abner. I put up the hoss, Mister Mac, and Jinny told 
me to tell yer that the leak in the laundry room has 
started again worse'n ever, and that it's all soaked inter 
the dining-room, and ol' Henry says he can't fix it right 



l8 THE HUT 

now in a hurry, and ye better plan ter have yer supper 
in here. 

Rand. Fine, Mac. I like that idea. I'll help wait on 
table. 

Lodge. Great — and say, Mac, look at this beauty. 
{Holds up fish.) Carl and I want to cook this for sup- 
per. Can't we broil it over the logs ? 

Rand. We sure can. I'll show you how. (Looks 
around.) Let's see, what can we use for a holder — good, 
I have it. The corn popper. Put your fish in like this, 
Lodge, and hold it close to the fire — so — see. Then when 
it gets real brown, just turn it 

Carl, (admiringly). Gee, you know just how to go 
about it, Mr. Rand. That's what I call a clever idea. 

Rand. Oh, just a stunt remembered from my college 
camping days. 

Orme (eagerly). So you're a college man, Rand. 
So'm I. What's yours? 

Rand (hesitating). Why, Harvard — '88. 

Orme. Really. Let's shake on it. I'm '8i. (They 
shake hands.) Can't say I knew you in college, but 
maybe we'll be able to exchange some reminiscences after 
supper. 

Rand. Fine. I never expected to meet a college mate 
up here — but the world's not such a big place after all, 
is it? 

Mac. Well, now, if we have to have our supper in 
here, I'll appoint you head of the squad, Rand. I'll just 
take Mr. Semple off with me for a few minutes and 
show him his diggings. (Semple picks up black bag. 
Pushes other grip into corner with grunt and prepares to 
follow Mac. The latter looks around rather suspi- 
ciously once or twice. Goes to exit. Semple follows.) 
Get Abner and that lazy loafer, Henry, in here to help 
you, boys. Make 'em bring in the gate-leg table and 
the dishes, and tell Jinny to tell the cook we want things 
hot. Not middling---or medium — but hot. 

Lodge. Especially the tea — eh, Mr. Semple? 

Semple. Tea — hot tea — ugh! 

(Mac gives him sharp look.) 



THE HUT ig 

Mac. Well, come along, Semple. Got all your duds ? 
We'll be right back, boys. [Exit Mac and Semple. 

Rand. Well, now, fellows. \fyhat shall we do first? 
I think it's a bully idea to have our evening meal in 
here — but then, I've a great fondness for this room 
anyway. 

Carl. You've been coming up here for quite a few 
years, haven't you, Mr. Rand? 

Rand (starting, as though in a day-dream) . Eh? oh 
yes. Ten, to be exact. This makes my tenth consecu- 
tive year up here with Mac. 

Orme. Well, that's surely a good recommendation for 
" The Hut." 

Lodge. For " The Hut," and for " Mac " too. You 
have to think a whole lot of a person to take a trip this 
length to see him every year. 

Rand. Well, it's more than just an ordinary rest cure 
that I get up here. I consider Mac Spillane the very 
salt of the earth and I count him as one of my very best 
friends — proud to have him for one. 

Carl, (grips hands with Rand). Gee, Mr. Rand, put 
it there. I never knew that any one felt like that but me. 
You know, Mac's such a clam. He never lets out a 
word about any one up here — but no one knows but 
Jimmy here — and maybe some one up There — what Mac 
Spillane did for me when I first came up here four years 
ago — down and out — in the dead of winter — health 
broken — courage gone — Jimmy almost carried me half 
the way. Gad ! I'm not a particularly religious " cuss " 
but I can't help feeling that St. Peter ought to leave his 
post at the entrance to the Golden Gate, and take a day 
off to come down here with a nice little shining halo for 
Mac Spillane. (The two shake again.) 

Rand. Thank you for your confidence, Carleton. I 
can understand, indeed. 

Carl. Oh, it's no secret now. I'll tell you more about 
it some other time — or Jimmy may. 

Lodge. Sure I will — but — after supper. Behold, bo- 
fore your eyes — a man, slowly starving to doath. Here, 
Orme, you take a turn holding this speckled beauty over 
the fire. The odor of broiling trout is one that I never 



20 THE HUT 

knew could be so seductive. It just tickles my nose so 
that I can't stand it. Nix on the " sob stuff " any more 
right now, Hal. Come on, Mr. Rand. If you don't take 
charge and boss me round, I'll turn tables and do the 
bossing myself, and I can be some great little boss, 111 
tell the world. 

Rand. That's right, Lodge, I don't blame you. We'd 
better get on the job, or Mac will have our heads. 
Now — let's see — how shall we do this thing? We've got 
to show one hundred per cent, efficiency, you know. 

Lodge. Efficiency ! Efficiency ! Lord, how I hate that 
word. That's all we hear in our branch of the service, 
and (A little bitterly.) then, when a man works his head 
off to show what he can do, and really gets results, what 
happens ? 

Carl. Why, the boss chief has an interview with the 
governor of this Grand Old State of ours, and the fellow 
that worked his head off is politely informed that the 
brother-in-law of some uncle of a cousin of the governor's 
is the man that's slated for the next promotion. And 
there's no argument about it ! So there you are ! 

(While above conversation is going on, Rand and 
Lodge and Carleton busy themselves setting up 
gate-leg table. Rand takes charge. Enter Abner 
with basket containing dishes, silver and table-cloth. 
Rand passes Lodge one end of cloth, with remarks 
such as " Now there you are." " You look after 
dishes and I'll place the silver!' etc. At Carleton's 
last remark about the governor, Rand stops short in 
evident surprise, and stares at the speaker.') 

Rand. The Governor of the State ! Why, what has 
he got to do with you boys ? 

Lodge. Why, technically, he's at the head of the sur- 
veying service. That's where Hal and I both work. Of 
course there's a chief; he's our immediate superior, but 
he reports to the governor, and if I could say out loud 
in English what I am thinking to myself in French about 
that gentleman they call the Governor — Lord ! 

Carl. And the half has not been told. Come on 



THE HUT 21 

there, Jim. How did we get to be talking shop like this ? 
It's against the rules. If we keep this up, we'll have 
supper about midnight. 

Orme {from fireplace). Yes, and I think this gentle- 
man is cooked to a turn, and to tell the truth, I'm nearly 
cooked myself. 

{Mops brow. Rand brings plate, Orme puts fish on 
it and places it on table.) 

{Enter Mac.) 

Mac. Everybody on the job. We sure ought to have 
a fine meal. 

Orme. Where's our latest addition, Mac — Mr. Semple ? 

Mac. Ha! Yes. Mr. Simon Semple. I left him 
out in his bunk, struggling into a pair of my old khakis 
and a flannel shirt that Jinny has done her best to ruin. 

Lodge. Say, do you know I had the greatest desire to 
call him " Simple Simon " as soon as I heard his name. 

Orme. Simple Simon. Pretty good. I've an idea, 
though, that he's not quite as simple as he seems. What 
do you say, Mac ? 

Mac. Well, now, I really can't saj^ 

Carl. And wouldn't if you could, eh, Mac, you old 
clam? {Squeezes his arm.) 

Mac. Sure he ought to be here by now — although I'm 
not so sure that he'll like his new outfit quite as well as 
the things he brought with him. 

{Looks around at the suitcase lying in the corner.) 

Rand. I haven't heard the whole story yet. Some 
one will have to tell it to me. 

Orme. Oh, but please, please, — on with the eats. No 
more telling, say I. 

{Enter Semple with large tray of food. Abner with 
another.) 

Semple. Well, well, here we are. How do you like 

my new rig? That ugly looking black out there insisted 



22 THE HUT 

that I should make myself useful as long as I was coming 
up here. 

Mac. Oh, sure, Jinny's husband never believes in 
moving if he can get some one to move for him. {Looks 
sharply at every one, then moves close to Semple and 
sniffs suspiciously.) Well, now, seems we're all ready. 
Line up, men, and we'll work up an appetite for supper. 
You stand here, Mr. Semple. 

(Places him in line. Gets a whiff of his breath, and 
turns away with a grimace. He then puts men 
through four or five setting-up exercises. The men 
open shirts at neck, turn them in, roll up sleeves, all 
except Orme. Exercises over, they seat themselves, 
laughing, chatting, glowing, and proceed to eat. 
Abner waits on table, going out occasionally, return- 
ing with other food, removing plates, etc.) 

Rand (rolling sleeves still higher). Gee, Mac! That 
was great! Certainly made my blood circulate. Orme, 
why don't you open your shirt collar, man? You'd be 
twice as comfortable. Lord knows — no one stands on 
ceremony here. How about it, Mac ? 

Mac. No, I should say no one does. 

Orme. Why — why — I (Appears embarrassed.) 

Why — I — I can't say I like it open — makes me kind of 
nervous — no — no thanks — er — I guess I'll keep it but- 
toned up — er — if it's all the same to you. 

Rand (surprised) . Oh, I beg your pardon. Of course 
it makes no difference to me whatever. I merely sug- 
gested it thinking you would be more comfortable. 

(Proceeds to eat. During the course of the meal, 
jokes, puns or knocks of a local character may be 
interpolated, and the meal may be made very short 
or prolonged as desired. Near close of meal, Lodge 
speaks.) 

Lodge. By the way, Mac, any more additions expected 
soon? Any newcomers? 

Mac. Weel, I hardly think 



THE HUT 23 

(Sound of machine outside. Loud noise. Door is 
flung open, Grimes half leaps, half falls into room, 
a pair of bedraggled pajamas held outstretched.) 

Carl. Well, I'll be — hem — hem — hem — Hanged ! 

Lodge. Jee-umping Jee-iminy ! 

Grimes (to Semple). W-w-e-w-e-11, here they are, 
sir — I — I — got 'em, sir — but my hat, Mr. Semple, please 
don't give me no such errands to do no more. I nearly 
lost my life getting these, sir. 

Semple (leaving table). These ! These ! You bloom- 
ing idiot ! Where the devil did you get these ? 

Grim,es. I — I — I stole 'em, sir ! 

Mac. What! 

Semple. You what! — You stole them? 

(Grimes nods affirmatively.) 

Mac. But where in the name of Mike did you steal 
them from, man? 

Lodge. There's no place within miles of here. 

Grimes. But I had the car, sir. Mr. Semple, he told 
me — you heard him — he said to buy — borrow — or steal 
them. Well— I did. 

Semple. Well, if you've got any rilling at all in that 
cavity where your brain ought to be, will you kindly tell 
us where you stole them from. 

Grimes (shrinking) . Why, I took them off the clothes- 
line — in a yard, sir. The family wash was hanging out — 
and — I couldn't get a pair nowheres around, sir, so I took 
'em. But please, sir, I don't want no such jobs no more, 
sir, — I 

Orme. But didn't any one see you taking them? 

Grimes. Oh, yes, sir, and that was the worst of it, 
sir. Two men saw me, and they chased me, sir, and if I 
hadn't had the car, sir, I — I think they would have caught 
me, sir. 

Lodge. Well, I'll say it's a pretty novel way to replen- 
ish one's wardrobe, eh, Mr. Simple — er — I mean Sem- 
ple. 

Orme. Very, I should say. Neat, as well as novel — 
as long as you don't get caught. 



24 THE HUT 

Semple. Well, of all the nincompoops that I ever 
met — and pray — what did you do with the five dollars 
that I gave you to buy them with ? 

Grimes {apologetically). Well, you see, sir, my con- 
science troubled me a bit, because I knew it wasn't right 
to steal, so I just took a clothes-pin and pinned the 
" fiver " on the line where the pajamas had been. 

(Semple throws up his hands in despair. The others 

all laugh.) 

Mac. Well, now, man, I think he did very well at that, 
and I'll warrant he's starved, and half frozen. Come on, 
man, and have a bite of supper. 

Grimes. I will that — and thank-ee kindly, sir, Fm that 
cold that when my teeth chattered, I thought it was a 
knock in the engine. 

( While Mac clears a place for Grimes at table, Semple 
and others examine pajamas, all laughing.) 

Mac. Now, Abner, bring in some hot tea for Grimes 
and clear away the rest of this. And now, lads, shall we 
have our evening smoke? {Looks at watch.) We'll 
have our smoke, if you say so, but we're a bit later than 
usual, so we'll cut the evening walk down a bit. 

(All place chairs conveniently around fireplace and 
proceed to " light up!') 

Semple. Cut the walk? But why cut it down? 
There's nothing else to do around here, is there ? 

Lodge. It's " early to bed and early to rise," you know, 
Mr. Semple. We turn in about eight-thirty or nine. 

Carl. Yes — and we get up at six ! 

Semple. Six ! Bless my soul ! Why, I could never 
get up at such an unearthly hour. Why, my niece is just 
about going to bed a good many mornings at that time. 
What's the big idea? 

Mac. But ye ken, man, this is the simple life around 
here. We keep early hours, and live natural, and that 
makes a man fit. 



THE HUT 25 

Rand. And there's nothing better, take it from me, 
Semple. 

Semple. Oh, well, I am a good sport — and as long as 
I'm in Rome — well — but six o'clock. My Lord ! 

(Meantime, Grimes having finished, he and Abner 
clear and remove table, setting room to rights, 
Abner whistles as he works. Grimes softly hums. 
Men sit in silence and smoke. Finally Abner sings 
a little louder. Lodge and Carleton join. A little 
later Rand joins, then Orme and finally Mac. Any 
desired songs, suited to mixed male voices. If all 
cannot sing, some voices may come from behind 
scenes. After first song, Grimes goes to Semple, 
and in pantomime indicates that he is thirsty. Sem- 
ple takes bottle from hip pocket and passes it to 
chauffeur but Mac's long arm intercepts and claims 
bottle. With a shake of the head Mac denies 
Semple's attempt to regain bottle. Latter laughs 
and sings solo. Author here suggests song " O, I 
Wish I was Annie Laurie, With a Wee Bit of Scotch 
in Me." For second chorus Mac sings, substituting 
words, "I'm Related to Annie Laurie, for Vve 
plenty of Scotch in me.") 

(Mac goes to door and pours out liquor, Grimes show- 
ing signs of keen distress as he does so. After as 
many encores as desired, all find caps and sweaters, 
and in twos, slowly go out, putting on hats as they 
go, singing as they walk.) 

SLOW CURTAIN 



(SECOND PICTURE.—// possible, show full moon- 
light streaming in through window and door. Men's 
voices coming from distance. Abner and Grimes 
straightening room, going slowly out as curtain falls.) 



CURTAIN 



ACT II 

SCENE I. — The same as in Act I. The following 
morning. 

{Curtain rises on Rand and Semple playing checkers. 
Game continues in silence for few seconds after 
curtain is up, then Rand finally says " Check! ") 

Rand. There goes your last king, Semple. How's 
our score now ? 

Semple. Three to three, Rand. We'll have to play 
the rubber after dinner. 

Rand. Not to-day, I'm afraid, Semple. I'm starting 
off on a little trip this morning — I'll probably be too tired 
when I get back. 

{Enter Lodge and Carleton with tennis rackets and 
balls. Mac follows immediately.) 

Lodge. What! You're not leaving us so soon, Mr. 
Rand. We can't let you off like this. Carl and I were 
just trying to arrange for a game of doubles. 

Rand. Oh, no, I'm not leaving, really. Just going off 
on a little pilgrimage for the day — and by the way, 
Semple, that man of yours, Grimes, seems to have taken 
a sort of fancy to me and wants to constitute himself my 
body-guard. I was sort of thinking I'd take him along 
with me if you don't mind. 

Semple. Mind! Good Lord no, take him anywhere 
you like. I hope he'll make a better body-guard than he 
does a chauffeur. 

Carl. Well, he seemed grateful enough to Mac for 
letting him stay at all. When he heard that no automo- 
biles were allowed up here his look was comical. 

Mac. But he makes a pretty good general handy man, 
for a' that. {Puts hand on Rand's shoulder.) Lad — 
must ye go ? 

Rand {earnestly, in low tone). Must — Mac. I'd 

26 



THE HUT 27 

never forgive myself if I didn't. You know how it is 
with me. 

Mac. I know, lad, I know. But I'm a bit fearful of 
the weather. (Goes to door and peers out.) Shouldn't 
be surprised if we had some wetting down before the 
night. 

Carl. Why, Mac — I'm sure you're a poor weather 
prophet. It's a wonderful day. Doesn't look to me as 
though it would rain for a week. 

Mac. Well, we'll see. And you dress up real tight, 
John — and take Grimes along — it's a good idea. I'll go 
and see about some lunch for you. 

(Rand looks out of door while Mac is speaking.) 

Rand. By the way, Mac. What's the matter with 
Orme to-day ? He's out there walking up and down like 
a caged lion. He never ate a mouthful of breakfast, and 
he looks to me like a man under a terrible nervous strain. 

Mac. He is. (Others all look up.) He's pretty 
nearly at the end. 

Semple. Ahem! Ahem! 

(Enter Orme. Looks from one to the other as though 
in doubt. Then shoving hat on back of head, 
thrusting hands deep in pockets, he bursts out.) 

Orme. Mac, I'm going home. (All look at him.) 
I can't stand it any longer. I'm going home. 

Mac Tis the very best thing ye can do, man. I'd 
been mindin' to tell ye for several days, but did na like 
to ask you to leave. " The Hut " can do nothing for you 
till your mind's at ease. 

Semple (puts hand on Orme's shoulder). Look here, 
Orme, I'm a peppery old bird, I know, and Heaven knows 
I've had enough to make me so, but at least my troubles, 
whatever they are, are not as bad as yours seem to be 
right now. Now I don't mean to pry into your affairs, 
but I just want to say that if I can do anything to help 
you, you can count on Simon Semple. 

Lodge. Me too, Mr. Orme. 

Carl. So say I ! 



28 THE HUT 

Rand. And I'm with the boys, too, Orme. You know 
we don't mean to be inquisitive, but if you need us — say 
the word. 

Orme (visibly affected). Thanks, thanks, men. Be- 
lieve me, I do appreciate your offers. I'd like to tell you 
what's troubling me. Maybe you could advise me. Do 
you think it would do any good, Mac? 

Mac. 'Twould do no harm, anyway. 

Orme. Well — it's not easy for me to talk, let me tell 
you, for my business has trained me to keep my mouth 
shut as much as possible, and let the other fellow do the 
talking, but this time I'm up against it. 

Mac. Well, out with it, man, and I'll help ye. Maybe 
you'll feel better when you've shared it. Ye see, boys, 
Mr. Orme by profession is a private detective — head of 
the firm of Orme, Lincoln & Company. 

Orme. Yes, that's so, but when a detective has to go 
to work to catch a thief in his own f am 

Mac. Easy now, easy. Them's harsh words, man, 
them's harsh words. 

Orme. Yes, I suppose so. Well, you see, boys, it's 
my boy, my only son, that's knocked me all off my bal- 
ance. His mother is dead, and he's all I've got and — 
well, my heart's just wrapped up in him. 

Mac. Well, why not? He's as likely a lad as you'd 
want to meet. Good looking, too. Not a bit like his 
father. (Others all smile.) 

Orme. I sent him to college. You know, Rand, how 
it is. We all want our boys to go back to the old place. 

Rand. Don't blame you a bit. It's what I should do 
if I had a son. 

Lodge. Adopt me, will you, Mr. Rand? I'm just 
dying to be a real college Rah Rah boy. 

Carl. Shut up, Jim. Can't you see this is no time 
for fooling? 

Lodge. Beg pardon, Orme. I forgot. Please go on. 

Orme. Oh, there's not much to tell. He didn't take 
to his books, and of course got in with a crowd that do 
nothing but run around and look for a good time. 

Mac. He's not a bad boy, though, I'd take an oath on 
that. 



THE HUT 29 

Rand. Well, that's saying a whole lot, Orme. I'd 
take Mac's judgment of a person any time. 

Orme. I would have too — once. But now — well — I 
don't know. Anyway, one night about a week ago, Dicky, 
my boy, went to a dance. He's lost his heart to a girl in 
the crowd he's been traveling with, Dulcie Varney, so of 
course she was in the party. 

Lodge. Gosh ! don't hold that against him, Mr. Orme. 
I've done the same thing myself. 

Orme. Lord, no, I know better than that. I was 
young myself, once. Besides, she's a nice enough little 
girl — I found out that much — more money than brains 
perhaps — but, anyway, that night she wore a diamond pin 
on a black velvet band round her throat, and a chain of 
very valuable pearls. 

Mac. They were jewels that had been her mother's, 
Orme — don't forget that's why she valued them. 

Orme (heavily). Oh, I don't forget — anything. Well, 
boys, you know the ridiculous customs of the young 
folks these days. None of 'em wear half enough clothes, 
so this fool young woman decided it was too warm to 
have anything round her neck, while dancing, and she 
takes off her diamond pin and pearls and gives them to 
Dicky to keep for her. 

Semple. The young idiot. I can just imagine the 
rest. 

Orme. Sure. There are always plenty of the light- 
fingered gentry in places of that kind, and one of them 
very politely lifted the pearls from Dicky's pocket. 

Carl. What a shame ! And the diamond pin, too ? 

Orme. No, that evidently wasn't so easy to get, so 
they were obliged to make away without it. Well, Dicky 
took the girl home in his car with another couple, and 
they both completely forgot about the jewels. When he 
was about half-way home with the other two, he sud- 
denly thought of the stuff, put his hand in his pocket, 
pulled out the diamond pin, and found the pearls were 
gone. 

Lodge. I can imagine how he felt. Gosh, if it was 
me — my stomach would turn over and lie down on its 
back. 



3<D THE HUT 

Orme. Now if the young fool had only come to me 
right off, the whole thing could have been fixed up in no 
time, but instead of that he gives the diamond pin to the 
girl that was in the car with him, and tells her to take it 
to Dulcie the first thing in the morning, and to tell her 
he'd bring back the pearls as soon as he found them. 
Then off he goes to the hotel where he'd been dancing 
and spends the next two days trying to trace the beads. 
Idiot! 

Carl. Well, I suppose he meant well. 

Orme (wearily). I suppose so, but he might know 
he'd never find 'em that way. I know the light-fingered 
gentry pretty well, and they're mighty slippery. You 
don't catch 'em so easily. Well, the first thing I knew 
about the whole affair was when Allen Varney — that's 
Dulcie's father, walked into my office and practically told 
me to my face that my boy was a thief. Gad! I saw 
red for a minute. 

Semple. Allen Varney ! I know him, and Jerusephus 
how I hate that man ! He's got a tongue like a two- 
edged sword. 

Rand. Well, the young lady got the pin back safely, 
didn't she ? 

Orme. No — she didn't. Varney told me about some 
girl friend that telephoned the next morning and said 
she had the pin but had to leave town very unexpectedly 
and would send it to her. Huh ! I could tell from the 
way he wiggled the end of his nose that he thought the 
whole business was a put-up job. And when Dicky 
didn't show up — well, I began to think things too. 

Semple. I hope you didn't let Varney know it. Gosh, 
I hate to agree with that man ! 

Orme. Oh, I didn't give him much satisfaction, you 
may bet on that ! But that night took ten years off my 
life, let me tell you. Well, to make a long story short, 
about two in the morning my brave lad Dicky came home. 
Told me the whole story, and begged me to advance him 
enough money to pay for the pearls, which, of course, he 
did not find. 

Mac. The lad was honest, at any rate. 

Orme. Yes, I see that now, but I was so riled up, and 



THE HUT 31 

half dead from want of sleep, and half crazy, too, I 
think, that I laughed in his face; and when he told me 
he had sent the diamond pin back to Dulcie with her girl 
friend, I laughed some more. I told him I could see he 
was putting up a job to get money out of me — told him 
the pin had never been returned — well — I guess there's 
nothing I didn't say. 

Lodge. Gee ! That's pretty tough ! What did Dicky 
say? 

Orme {bows head on hands. Mac pats his shoulder) . 
Not a word ! Never opened his head ! But the look on 
his face and in his eyes — well — it's just haunting me ! 
It's killing me! And that's not the end, either. I fin- 
ished by telling him to get out — my own boy, Dicky — 
" Get out of here," I yelled at him, " and don't let me 
see your face again till you find that stuff, or I'll let 
the law have its way and you can rot in jail for all of 
me ! " He went. And I've moved Heaven and Earth 
since, — and I can't find him. 

{Bows head in utter dejection.) 

Rand. Now, look here, Orme, giving up like this 
won't help any. It never gets you anywhere. Surely 
five heads are better than two. Maybe we can think up 
something you've overlooked. 

Mac. Maybe we can. Shall I be telling them the 
rest, man? (Orme nods.) Well, next morning, having 
had time to cool off a bit, our friend here, not having 
been a detective for thirty years for nothing, decided to 
look into the matter a bit for himself, on a chance that 
the boy might have been telling the truth after all. Of 
course it all had to be kept on the Q. T. to avoid any 
publicity, but the hotel people have a deal of respect for 
Mr. Orme's good opinion, so, in less than twenty- four 
hours that pearl necldace was back in his hands. 

Semple. So Dicky told the truth ! Good for the boy ! 
What happened then, Orme? Gee! I'm more excited 
over this than I was when I — but go on, go on ! 

Orme {rousing). I tell you, fellows, when T closed 
my hands on those beads — and then remembered what 1 
had said to my boy — well — something just seemed to snap 



32 THE HUT 

in my brain. I couldn't think any more. I couldn't rea- 
son. I couldn't plan ! It was too late to put the pearls 
away in the bank vault. I didn't want to put them in the 
office safe for fear of too many questions. All I could 
think of was — if I could only get away somewhere where 
I could sleep — could think — where no one would ask 
questions — I might be able to figure out how I could 
find the boy and fix things right with him. 

Rand. And you thought of Mac. Good for you! 
You couldn't have picked out a better place. 

Orme. Think ! I didn't take time to think ! I jumped 
into a taxi, bolted down to the station — just caught a 
train — and came. (To Semple.) You're not the only 
bird that's strutting around here in borrowed plumage. 
I'm helping Mac to wear out some of his old clothes, too. 

Carl 1 (together). But what did you do with the 

Lodge ) pearls, Mr. Orme? 

Orme. What did I do with them? (Stands up and 
very dramatically rips open his collar and shirt front, 
showing a string of pearls fastened round his neck.) 
Now you fellows know why I wouldn't wear my shirt 
open at the neck. 

Semple. Egad ! This is better than a movie thriller ! 
I thought this was the simple life! Why, I'm shaking 
like a leaf. (Holds up his hand to show trembling.) 
All this story needs now is a couple of murders to finish 
it up in proper style. 

Orme. Well, thank God, there's nothing like that, al- 
though I think there might have been if any one had tried 
to take these beads away from me. I wouldn't trust 
them out of my sight. I wouldn't even let Mac put 'em 
in the safe. Heaven knows they've cost me dearly 
enough ! And that's the story. And now — I'm going 
home — for I know I'll go crazy if I don't start to do 
something. 

Rand. I wish you wouldn't go right now, Orme. I 
shall certainly respect your confidence. I know all the 
boys feel the same ; but I wish you'd give me a chance to 
think about this thing a bit. I've had a good deal of 
experience untangling knotty problems. Mac here'll bear 
me out in that. I'm a lawyer, you see, and I feel sure 



THE HUT 33 

that I'll be able to figure this thing out for you. One 
day more can't make such a difference. What do you 
say, Orme? Stay over to-morrow. 

Lodge. I think that's mighty good advice, Orme. Do 
stay. I don't know that I can be good for much in the 
way of help, but I'm yours to command if you can use 
me. Mac, you make him stay. 

Mac. Weel, he knows he's welcome to make " The 
Hut " his home as long as he pleases. 

Orme. Yes, I know that. There are not many like 
you, Mac Spillane. Well, I won't go right away this 
minute. I'll think it over a bit. 

Rand. Fine ! Say you won't go till I come back, old 
man. I'll be in before dark, and 

Carl. Surely you are not deserting us, Mr. Rand. 
We can't get along without you. 

Rand. Oh, no, just a little trip that I make every year 
when I am up here. I was so interested in Orme's tale 
that I almost forgot I was going. 

Mac. I'm afraid we're in for some weather, John. 
Must ye go ? 

Rand. Yes, really must, Mac. You see, I've only two 
more days up here, and I'd never forgive myself if I 
missed going. I'll go out and get ready (Goes to exit, 
then turns.), and since this seems to be a day of confi- 
dences, Mac, you have my permission to tell the boys 
what sends me out on a pilgrimage each year. There's 
no one else on earth that I'd trust to tell the story — but 
you. [Exit. 

Semple. Gad! Now I'm getting nervous all over 
again. Pon my honor, I've got goose-flesh already ! I'm 
going back to the city with you, Orme; maybe I'll find 
things peaceful and quiet there. 

Carl, (pokes him in fun). Ah, go on, you old fraud. 
You know you're enjoying this like the thrill that comes 
once in a lifetime. But say (To Mac), it's the funniest 
thing — I could take an oath that I've met Mr. Rami 
somewhere. (Thinks.) His face certainly does look 
familiar to me ! 

Semple. Funny. I thought the same thing when I 
first met him. But then, if he's a lawyer it's not strange. 



34 



THE HUT 



Most of them get their faces in the papers at some time 
or other — for some reason or other. 

Orme. Good Lord, Mac. Why did you let me bother 
Rand with my troubles when he's got some worries of 
his own on his mind? I never would have done it if I 
had known. 

Mac. Sure, 'twas no harm at all, man, no harm at all. 
'Tis not a real trouble he has any more, — only an old 
memory that sends him out there to search for some- 
thing I'm afraid he'll never find 

Semple. But what is it, what is it? Don't be so long 
getting to the story. 

Lodge. But I thought you were " fed up " with 
thrillers. 

(A long black arm is thrust in through doorway, and 
raps smartly on woodwork.) 

Voice. Mars Spillane! 

Mac Yes, all right, Jinny. What is it? 

Voice. That po' white trash " shuvver " done mak' 
me come up here with these here aigs. He done says 
that Jerushy hen jest laid 'em, and one is fo' the Simple 
Gent, and the other is fo' Mars Rand. 

(The hand reappears with two eggs in its palm.) 

Mac (takes eggs). All right, Jinny. Tell Grimes that 
next time he should whisper in Jerushy's ear to lay a few 
more. We don't like to play favorites up here. 

Semple. Simple gent — Simple — I suppose she means 
me ! Just like that asinine idiot to interrupt just when 
I was so interested ! Why didn't he come himself ? 

Voice (off stage). He done say he's gittin' ready to 
go 'way on a trip. Lordy Lord ! (Laughs a cackling 
laugh.) He's so sot up with pride coz Mars Rand's done 
lettin' him go — he's struttin' round worse 'n Jerushy did 
when she laid two aigs. (Laughs loudly; then disappear- 
ing.) Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Lodge. We're out of luck, Hal. No fresh eggs for 
us! 

(Mac puts eggs on table.) 



THE HUT 35 

Semple. I don't want one, I'm sure. I hate eggs. 
Give 'em both to Rand. Let him take 'em along for his 
lunch — and now, out with it, Mac. What's it all about? 

Mac {slowly). Weel, here's the tale. Years ago 
there was a family lived 'bout five miles beyond here. 
Mother, father, daughter Gloria. The mother — weel, — 
I had loved her for years — {Pauses.) but — she married 
the other man. Later — she died. The girl — weel — she 
was as dear to me as though she had been my own child, 
and the first year John came up here — ten years ago — - 
he met her — here — and fell in love with her. That was 
before I took regular guests, so Gloria used to come and 
go as she liked. 

Lodge. Is that the girl whose picture hangs over your 
desk out in the office ? 

Carl. Oh, yes, the girl with the dog? I remember. 

Mac. Yes, that's Gloria. John gave her the dog. He 
was a faithful guardian. 

Semple. Well, well, go on, go on. 

Mac. Sure, there's little to tell. John came up here 
a lot that first year, and they planned to marry. She 
used to meet him at a big tree about half-way between 
this place and hers, and sometimes they left letters for 
each other there. The country round was a bit different 
then than it is now, and there was a back road that was 
open to travel, and that led direct to Sanborn, the next 
town. Once in a while an auto used to go over that 
road. There was lots of liquor to be got in Sanborn. 
It's different now. 

Orme. I think I can finish the story, Mac. As you 
said before, I've not been a detective thirty years for 
nothing. 

Mac. Weel, nae doot ye can. It's mostly told. One 
day John sprained his ankle, and couldna go to meet her. 
She got tired waitin' and started down to " The Hut " 
hersel'. One o' those cursed " speed wagons " got her, 
and we never knew a thing about it till " Scot lie " crawled 
in here — one leg broken — and sent us out to find her. 

SEMPLE, So that's why you don't allow any machines 
around " The Hut," eh ? 

Mac. That's why, mon. John and I bought up all 



36 THE HUT 

the land for five miles round, and closed up the road to 
machines. That's why we have no whiskey here, either, 
even for medicine, for it must have been a party o' drunks 
that could do such dirty work. They never even stopped 
to see what mischief they had wrought — and we never got 
'em — damn 'em. 

Orme. Amen to that, Mac — but what sends Rand out 
there now? 

Lodge. And do you mean to say, Mac, that he's been 
faithful to her memory all these years ? 

Mac. All these years, lad, and never missed a trip 
out to the meeting place. 

Lodge. Gosh ! Hal ! Do you hear that ? I guess I 
better stop complaining, then, and 

Orme. But what does Rand go out to the place for 
now? 

Mac. Weel, ye see, mon, she were not gone when we 
found her, and we brought her here. Just before she 
" went out " she opened her eyes and said to John, " I 
left it out there — by the tree." It seemed to worry her 
a good bit — whatever it was — and John, thinking to 
soothe her, said, "All-right, dear, I'll get it." Then a 
minute later she said, " John, promise me you'll go — and 
get it." And the lad, holding her hand, said, " I promise, 
dear." And so he goes, year after year, looking for 
something that she left there for him — but so far he's 
never found it. 

Semple (blowing nose loudly). Bless my soul ! That 
makes me feel bad ! I must write to my wife and niece 
this very day. I was so anxious to pack 'em both off, so 
I could get away, I wouldn't listen to a word they wanted 
to tell me about engagements or errands or messages or 
anything else. And then when I got here, I was so mad 
about the D-a — er — ahem — I mean the confounded old 
suitcase, that I never sent them a line. But after your 
story, Mac, I guess I'll have to be nice to them. 

(Enter Rand and Grimes, dressed for trip.) 

Rand. Well, we're off, Mac. So long, boys. 
Orme. So long, Rand, and all our good wishes go 
with you. Good luck, and God be with you. 



THE HUT 



37 



Lodge (picking up eggs from table). And in behalf 
of your friends, Jinny, and Jerushy the hen, let me pre- 
sent you with this little token of their esteem. 

(Rand laughs and passes eggs to Grimes, who puts 
them in the knapsack.) 

Mac. Don't go too far, lad, nor stay too long — I'm a 
bit fearful of the weather. 

Rand. Nonsense, Mac. It's a perfect Autumn day. 
But don't worry. We'll be back before sundown. You 
might give us a song, boys — to start us on our way. 

Mac. Aye ! That we will. 

Semple. And Grimes, take good care of Mr. Rand. 

Grimes. I will, sir. 

(Rand and Grimes go slowly out. Others group con- 
veniently about, beginning song "It's a Long, Long 
Trail") 

SLOW CURTAIN 



(Note. Curtain is lowered a few seconds to denote 
the passing of several hours.) 



SCENE II. — Same as in preceding scene. Late even- 
ing of the same day. 

(Curtain rises on Orme slowly pacing back and forth. 
Semple seated, reading a magazine. Lodge and 
Carleton working together untangling a fishing line. 
Room darkened, except for reading la nip and light 
from fireplace. Occasional flashes of lightning sh 
through windozv. Rumble as of distant thunder. ) 

(Enter Abner with arm full of logs. Kneels to ft 
plenish fire.) 

Orme. Here, I'll help you with those. It'll give me 
something to do. 



38 THE HUT 

Abner. Ain't Mr. Mac come back yet? The tele- 
phone over to his office has been ringing for a long time, 
but the place is locked and he's got the key with him. 

Orme. No, he's gone out again to reconnoiter and see 
if he can see any signs of Mr. Rand or Grimes. 

Semple. Gad! It's too bad they had to get caught 
in a downpour like that. They will be wet to the skin. 

Carl. The rain wasn't the worst, though. Gosh! 
That one bolt of lightning and the crash that went with 
it nearly knocked me off my feet. 

Abner. Well, it's stopped raining now. {Jumps to 
his feet.) By Golly, I just thought — I got to go — I got 
to do something ! [Exits hurriedly. 

Lodge. Now what do you suppose he's got up his 
sleeve ? 

Orme. Oh, some plan to help, I suppose. He's a good 
kid, even if he is slow-witted — and he idolizes Mac. 

Semple. Yes, and Mac idolizes Rand. I could tell it 
from the way he looked while he was telling us the story. 
It would be an awful blow to him if anything happened. 

Lodge. Oh, come now, don't talk like that ! Of course 
nothing's happened. They probably went in somewhere 
to get out of the storm, and now it's so dark, it's taking 
them longer to get back. 

Orme (sotto voce). I wish I thought it. (Aloud.) 
Ha! Here's Mac. Well? 

(Enter Mac, clad in oilskins, lantern in hand.) 

Mac (removes garments). Not a sign of them yet. 
I hope to God no harm has come to them. Anyway it 
has stopped raining now. I — don't — just know 

(Enter Abner, excited.) 

Abner. Oh, Mr. Mac, please let me climb the big 
maple and hang the lantern up the way we did last year. 
Maybe they'll be able to see it. It's pretty dark now ; and 
I've got the wood-pile all ready to light. Please, Mr. 
Mac. 

Mac. 'Tis a gude idea, lad, and ye are a gude lad to 
think of it. Take the light and be careful. Don't fall 
out of the tree. 



THE HUT 



39 



Carl. I'll go along and help him. I think it's the 
best plan yet. 

Mac. Good! And the rest of ye — some of ye any- 
how, can go and light the wood-pile and keep it blazing. 
Maybe it will be a beacon for them if they've lost their 
way. 

All. Sure we will ! Good idea ! That's right, etc. 

Abner (pausing at exit). And Mr. Mac, the tele- 
phone's been ringing these last fifteen minutes. 

Mac. I'll go right over. You boys look after the 
fire — and be careful — all of ye. 

[Exit Carleton, Abner and Mac. 

Orme. Great Heavens! I wonder if that call might 
be for me ! I'm just aching to get back to town and 
see what's happening, but I haven't the heart to go till I 
see Rand safely back again. 

Semple. Well, a little longer can't make any great 
difference, Orme. Queer, isn't it, how well acquainted 
folks can get in a place like this, in a few days. Now I 
feel just as interested in all you people as though I had 
known you all my life. Yet in the city, it takes years to 
know folks — and then you're never sure you know them. 
Come on, Jimmy, you and I will be chief firemen. (They 
move towards exit.) Good Heavens, I wish my niece 
had had the sense to fall in love with a fellow like you, 
Jimmy, instead of the darn fool kind that she travels 
round with. Come on, Orme, you come too. 

[Exit, all three. 

(Empty stage. Blazing of light outside, if possible, to 
show bonfire. Figures moving back and forth in 
front of zvindow and door. Lodgk comes back into 
room for a moment, searches for matches. Goes out 
again. While fire is burning all begin to sing, u Keep 
the Home Fires Burning" Before end of song, a 
loud shout from Abnkk, presumably from top 
tree.) 

Abner (off stage). Hi! Hi! Mr. Mac. 1 think 1 
see them. 

All (off stage). Where ! Where ! 



40 THE HUT 

(General shouting of "Rand!" — "John Rand!" — "Hi 
there, John!" Then front Semple.) 

Semple (off stage). Grimes, you blasted idiot — where 
are you — can't you talk ? 

(Finally Lodge rushes by the door, yelling. Others 
follow, and a moment later they half drag, half carry 
Rand and Grimes into the room. Both men drip- 
ping wet, hatless, and apparently exhausted. Men 
bustle about to make them comfortable, all talking 
at once, start taking off shoes, etc. Rand apparently 
faints. Enter Mac who very quietly calms every- 
body and takes charge.) 

Mac. All right, all right, boys. Thank God they're 
here. Abner, run and tell cook we need some hot tea, 
and hot water too ; plenty of it. 

(Abner runs.) 

Semple (groans). Now, don't you wish you had that 
bottle you took away from me? That would bring him 
around pretty quick. 

Mac. But I know that John would rather die than 
touch the stuff. {Feels his pulse.) Oh, he'll be all right 
in a few minutes. 

(Enter Abner with two cups.) 

Abner. Cook says he'll have two hot baths ready 
right away. You should bring them both in. 

(Mac takes one cup. Motions Abner towards Grimes 
with the other.) 

Mac. That's the idea. You boys look after Grimes. 
I'll have John feeling fit as a fiddle in about two minutes. 
(Forces tea between Rand's lips.) You rub his hands 
now, Semple, and we'll start the circulation up a bit. 

(One of Rand's hands, outstretched on table or hang- 
ing down, has fist tightly clenched. Semple at- 
tempts to open it without success.) 



THE HUT 41 

Semple. Gad ! He's got some fist, I'll say. I can't 
do a thing with it. 

(Rubs Rand's arms. Grimes attempts to talk.) 

Carl, (trying to make out what Grimes is saying). 
What's that ? What ! Well, never mind, old man, don't 
try to talk. You can tell us all about it later. (Grimes 
tries to sit up and talk. Others force him back.) What 
is it, old man — the tree — yes — I get you — it — what — it — 
busted. Yes. (To Mac.) He says the tree busted. 

(Orme points to head and shakes.) 

Orme. Probably he's off a little. Exposure ! 

(Rand slowly returns to consciousness. His fist is still 
tightly clenched. Sits up, looks around for a mo- 
ment as though dazed. Finally sees Mac. Struggles 
to his feet, holds out both hands to Mac.) 

Rand. Mac, old man, I found it — I found it! The 
tree — the lightning split it open — it was there, hanging on 
a little knot in the wood. She — Gloria — must have put 
her hand in through the little hole, and hung it there. 
My God, Mac, I feel as though she had come back to 
me this day. 

(He staggers a bit. Mac puts his two arms around 
him, and Rand puts his head dozm on Mac's 
shoulder, apparently shaken with emotion. Others 
look on in sympathetic silence.) 

Mac There, there, lad, don't take on like this. It 
can do no good at this late day. Pull yourself together 
now, (Pats Rand's arm.) and let me see what you've 
found. (Rand looks up and holds out his hand, opening 
the clenched fist and disclosing an old-fashioned locket. 
Mac looks at it, takes it, and raises it to his lips.) Tis 
the one I gave her mother — may Heaven bless her — and if 
I remember rightly, it opens. But you and ( I rimes 

(Black arm is thrust in and raps.) 



42 THE HUT 

Voice {off stage). Cook done says as how water don't 
keep hot forever, and he says to tell you ef yo' don't 
hurry those men along, he's done goin' to take them baths 
hisself. 

Lodge. Both at one time ! I'd like to see it ! 

Mac. Come, come, boys, cook's right. These lads 
should have a hot bath, some supper, and then to bed, and 
not another word about this whole affair until the morn- 
ing. 

{He assists Rand. Lodge and Carleton help Grimes, 
and they exit.) 

Semple. Well, by Gad ! I begin to feel the need of a 
few winks, myself. Orme, how about you ? 

Orme. I'd like to sleep for a week if I could. 

Semple. Well, I don't see how you can help it after 
a day like this. I feel as though I'd been having a speak- 
ing acquaintance with a live electric feed wire. Ha ! — A 
new shock every minute. Well, now that Rand's all safe 
and settled, maybe your troubles will all be washed away 
by the rain-storm, too. I sure hope so, old man. And 
now {Gapes.) I'm going to bed. I'm half dead. I 
never thought when I was getting close to Nature that 
she was such a lively old Dame. {Gapes.) Nighty 
night, old man. 

Orme. Oh, well, I guess I'll tumble in myself. Per- 
haps things will look different in the morning. 

[They exit arm in arm. 



SLOW CURTAIN 



ACT III 
SCENE. — Same as in Acts I and II. 

(Curtain rises on Rand seated at table, busily writing. 
Grimes sweeping up the hearth. Carleton at op- 
posite side of room busy at any convenient occupa- 
tion. Enter Semple and Orme, latter carrying foot- 
ball. Mac follows; all three are puffing and ap- 
parently out of breath.) 

Semple. Ye Gods ! But that is sure some exercise. 
Never thought I'd live to see the day when I would do 
any more high kicking. But we had to go some to beat 
Mac, didn't we, Orme ? 

Orme. I'll say we did. It's great sport, though. I 
used to go in for a lot of that sort of thing in my college 
days; but I guess we're getting too old for much of it 
now, except when we're up here at " The Hut." 

Semple (goes towards Rand). So you're really leav- 
ing us, eh, Rand? Mac's just been telling me. 

Rand. Yes, I'm really going. I'm afraid I've been 
away too long as it is, and now that I've found the 
locket, I haven't any excuse for staying away longer, this 
time, anyway. 

Carl. Well, we'll surely miss you, Mr. Rand. I hate 
to see you go. 

Rand. Thanks, old man. Orme's going down with 
me, to-morrow afternoon, so you'll be a very small and 
select party after that. 

Carl. Oh, really? I didn't know that. Any news, 
Mr. Orme? 

Orme. No, nothing so far; but I've got to the point 
where I can't stand being away any longer — besides 

Rand. Besides, I've got one or two ideas in my head 
that I think may help Orme to straighten the matter out 

Mac. I'm sure John can do it if any one can. 

Semple. Say, you two hate each other, don't you? 

43 



44 THE HUT 

I'd call you a regular mutual admiration society. Now 
if 

(Enter Lodge with a rush. Evidently in very bad 
temper. Waves a letter in his hand. Throws it 
into Carleton's lap.) 

Lodge {in fury and disgust) . Well ! I'll be switched ! 

Mac. Easy, lad, easy. Let not thy angry passions 
rise! 

Lodge {angrily). Oh, it's all right for you people to 
talk — I've got to go home ! 

Carl, {still reading). Gosh! This is a darn shame. 
I'm awfully sorry, Jim, old man. 

Semple. Well, well, what is it, what is it? I hate 
being kept in suspense like this. 

Lodge. Oh, it's nothing but a letter from my chief 
saying {Snatches letter from Carleton and reads.) " that 
the Governor of our beloved State, finding it necessary to 
be away, Henniker " {Looks up.) that's the guy that's 
" teacher's pet " — " has had to go on duty in the Gov- 
ernor's office, and it is with great regret that His Excel- 
lency himself was obliged to order your immediate 
return." Rot ! I wish His Excellency would go straight 
to the devil ! 

Carl. Gee ! I don't believe there's another service 
department in the State where they put over as many 
raw deals as they do in ours. 

Lodge. Don't you fool yourself, sweet innocent child. 
It's the same in them all. Just have a " pull " up at the 
Capitol, and you can get away with murder nowadays. 
And why ? Because we've got a Governor up there that's 
nothing but a big stiff, that's why. A low-down, tricky 
politician, that's what, and he's a piker, too. He never 
gives a good man even a chance, unless he can't help 
himself. 

Orme. Gee! Jim, you haven't left him a rag of 
character to bless himself with. Now I voted for him 
at the last election, and 

Semple. So did I. I thought he was a pretty good 
sort at that ! 



THE HUT 



45 



Rand. Just why are you so sore at him, Jimmy? 
I mean, outside of this cutting short your vacation. 

Lodge. Sore? Heavens, man! Why shouldn't I be 
sore? He's just about ruined my life, that's all. 

Rand. Well, that's a pretty serious accusation, all 
right. If it's true, I certainly don't blame you. 

Lodge. True! Of course it's true. You don't sup- 
pose I'd be telling such tales just for the fun of it, do 
you? 

Carl. Cool off, Jim, cool off. I know you're mad 
clean through, but (To others.) you see, it's like this. 
You can't really blame Jimmy for feeling the way he 
does. We've both been in the Department for years. 
Went in as kids and worked up. The old chief gave us 
every chance, and we were both chuck full of ambition 
to get ahead. Well, my ambition got a knockout blow 
when my health gave way, and nobody but Mac here 
knows what I went through when I heard it was my 
lungs. However, Mac saved me from — well — you can 
imagine — and I buried my ambition and went back. I 
know I can only be a desk man and that's as far as I 
can go, and I've made up my mind to be satisfied ; but it's 
different with Jimmy. 

Mac. But you're not telling the whole thing, boy. I 
see I'll have to butt in ! These men don't know that one 
of the finest little women on earth stuck closer to ye 
than the bark to the tree, and married ye by main 
force 

Carl. She sure did. God bless her ! 

Lodge. You bet she did, and she's a peach, too, and 
Hal knows what I think of her. But every time I go 
down to his house to spend an evening and see how happy 
he is, and what a cozy home he's got — why — I'm so — so — 
blamed jealous, that I'm a sorehead for a week. 

Semple. Well, well, I don't see what you're whimper- 
ing about. Go and do the same thing ! 

Lodge. Ha! Fine chance I've got. Why 

Carl. You see, Mr. Semple, Jimmy had the mis- 
fortune — (To Lodge.) you don't mind, old man, (LODGE 
shakes a negative.) Jimmy just happened to fall in love 
with a girl who belongs to a very wealthy family, and he 



46 THE HUT 

doesn't feel that he has the right to ask her to marry him 
on his present salary. 

Lodge. I certainly won't. And that isn't all, Rand, 
either. The most outrageous part of this whole business 
is that two years ago I had a chance to go with a private 
firm — big engineering concern. I wasn't going to get 
more money to start with, it's true, but the chances for 
advancement were big, and like the nice honest little 
schoolboy that I was, I went to the Chief and told him 
the whole story. He actually promised me, didn't he, 
Hal, that he'd see that I went up in my Department if I'd 
only stay. Gave me lots of palaver about needing young 
men of my ability and all that rot. Well, the first big 
promotion that came — what happened? Henniker, a 
rank outsider, walked in on velvet. A friend of the 
Governor's. I didn't have a thing to go by except the 
Chief's word. So wdiere did I get off? 

Rand. Why didn't you go direct to the Governor 
yourself? I think it's always best to deal with a man 
first hand. 

Carl. That shows you don't know our worthy Gov- 
ernor, Mr. Rand. (Mac turns azvay and coughs.) He's 
harder to reach than the King of England, and besides 
the Chief's got such a pull with him that the minute you 
try for an audience with the Governor, the Chief hears 
about it and informs you that all official matters reach 
His Excellency through him. Oh, it's a great game. 
But I'm sorry for Jimmy. He's wasting his best years, 
and doing some mighty fine work, and it's not appre- 
ciated. 

Lodge. Sure, if he'd tell me to come back and give me 
the chance to go up to the Governor's office, I wouldn't 
be so sore; but oh, no! Henniker, of course, gets the 
cream. 

Orme. Well, I always knew " pull " counted for a 
whole lot in government work, but I never dreamed con- 
ditions were as bad as this. However, you can't keep a 
good man down, and my advice to you, Lodge, is to 
get out — now — while you're young! 

Semple. Sure! The only thing to do! You come 
and see me ! I'll recommend vou to some men that I do 



THE HUT 47 

business with. But if I were you, Jim, my boy, I'd take 
my luck in my hands, and walk right up and ask that 
young lady to marry me; and if she's got an ounce of 
common sense in her head, she'll do it. 

Carl. That's just what I've been telling him for the 
last six months. 

Mac. Tis my advice, too. 

Lodge. Rot! On my two hundred a month! Why, 
I'd just about be able to pay for her perfumed bath 
salts. 

Rand {dryly). Maybe she doesn't use 'em perfumed. 

Semple. Maybe she doesn't bathe very often. 

(Laughs at his own joke.) 

Lodge. Oh, you can all laugh and have your little 
jokes, but I'll have to go back just the same. (Twists 
the letter into a hard roll.) There! I wish I had hold 
of our precious Governor's neck instead of this. I'd 
wring it again, just for luck. 

(Throws paper into fire. The sound of two shots, in 
quick succession, is heard outside. All jump to their 
feet in alarm. Mac runs to side window and peers 
out. Rand joins him, standing as much as possiole 
in shadow. Carleton runs to door, flings it wide 
open, looks up and dozvn road. Is almost knocked 
down by a panting and disheveled figure, of a youth 
who runs in, half falling over the threshold, breath- 
less, sobbing, hatless, almost exhausted.) 

Dicky. For Heaven't sake, let me in here. Don't let 
them get me — don't — don't ! 

Orme (in amazement). Dicky — Dicky — my boy — 
Thank God ! 

Dicky. Dad ! Well, I'll be— switched ! 

(Almost falls. Orme gathers boy in his arms and 
holds him up. Two powerful looking strangers enter 
and lay hands on Dicky. One opens coat and shows 
badge.) 



48 THE HUT 

ist Detective. Come on, young feller. The game's 
up. We've got you this time, dead to rights. Might as 
well go without a fuss. 

Dicky (breathing hard. Shakes Detective's hand 
off). Say, lay off there. You've got nothing on me, you 
big stiff. I don't even know what you want me for. 
You've got to have a license to put your hands on me ! 

ist Detective. Well, we've got it, all right. 

Orme. What's it all about, Dicky ? 

Dicky. Gee ! Ask me something easy, will you, Dad ? 
I haven't done a thing ! These birds ought to be out on 
the breezy Western plains somewhere, riding broncho 
busters and popping their trusty six shooters at any one 
that gets in their way. That last bullet of theirs nearly 
started me on my way to a nice little flirtation with the 
angels. 

Mac (comes forward). Who are you, men? My 
name is Mac Spillane, at your service, — but I'd like to 
know your business here. 

ist Detective (shows badge again). We're govern- 
ment men. We were sent out after this youngster. He's 
got a string of pearls and a diamond pin that we'd like 
some information about. He stole 'em. 

Dicky. Stole 'em, did I? Say, you better be 
(Drawls.) j-u-s-t a 1-e-e-t-l-e bit more choice in your 
selections from the English dictionary. I didn't steal 'em. 
Do you get that — and what's more, Percival — and your 
side partner Archibald can listen too, if his ears aren't 
stopped up. I haven't got those pearls — do you hear — T 
haven't got them, and I'd give you and little Willie each 
a cookie, and forget what naughty boys you've been, if 
you'd lead me to 'em. 

2nd Detective. Ha! Listen to the poor little inno- 
cent! Sure, haven't we been watching round here for 
three days ? Didn't we almost nab him the other night in 
a back yard, pinching the wash off the line? Only for 
the Rolls Royce buzz wagon he had, he'd have never 
got away. 

Dicky. It's a lie, I tell you. I only just came up 
here on the last train. I haven't got any Rolls Royce 
buzz wagon. The minute you smart Alecs popped your 



THE HUT 49 

eyes on me you began to chase me, so I ran. I never 
even saw any one's clothes on the line. 

Mac. No, I'm sure of that, lad, and I guess there's a 
mistake somewhere. Looks to me like you men were 
wrong this time, and 

ist Detective. Well, we'll take no chances, you can 
bet. We don't let go so easy. The kid comes with us. 
If he's as innocent as he'd like to make out, he can prove 
it to the chief. 

(Lays hands on Dicky. 2nd Detective takes out 
handcuffs; makes great display with them. Rand 
comes quietly forward from rear, unnoticed by two 
detectives. Taps one on shoulder.) 

Rand. All right, McKinnon. I'll be responsible for 
the boy. Suppose you and your friend wait outside. 

ist Detective. Well, for the love of Mike ! (Salutes 
him.) Your Honor! Anything you say — goes! But 
b-e-1-i-e-v-e me ! You are the last man on earth I ever 
expected to set my eyes on up here. Come on, Tim, if 
His Honor says so, out we go. 

Rand. No, wait a minute, boys. Mac, you won't 
mind if cook gives them a bite to eat? First door on the 
right, McKinnon. Just tell Jinny to fill you up. (The 
two start to exit.) And McKinnon, don't call me " Your 
Honor." Sounds too much like the court-room. 

ist Detective. All right, I won't — Your Honor ! 



*a j 



(Exit two Detectives. The others stand about in 
awkward silence.) 

Mac Well, John, you seem to know more about this 
business than the rest of us, suppose you lake charge. 

Rand. I don't know a thing about it, Mac, any more 
than you do, — but it just happens that I've used McKin- 
non in a couple of my law cases, so he knows my word 
is good. 

Orme. Well, he's pretty free with his thirty-eight 
calibre, I'll say. Thank Heaven he didn't hit the mark, 
this time. 

Semple. Well, go on, go on. What's it all about? 



50 THE HUT 

Get to the bottom of this, but for Heaven's sake, hurry 
up. I can still feel the goose-flesh crawling all over me. 

Mac. Weel, John, since you know the law so well, 
suppose you unravel the mystery. 

Dicky. But there is no mystery to unravel, I tell you. 
It's all as plain as the nose on your face (Semple feels 
his nose.) I gave the pin to a girl friend of Dulcie's who 
was to either send it with her maid or take it herself the 
next morning to Dulcie's house. Well, when Dad told 
me that Dulcie hadn't got the pin, naturally I pelted right 
over to the other girl's house to find out why. 

Rand. And of course, you got the pin back at once. 

Dicky. No — I — didn't. 

Semple. Oh, ho, the plot thickens ! 

Dicky. No, it doesn't thicken at all. It was simply 
that she had gone out of town with some sick aunt or 
something, and didn't have a chance to do a thing about 
it. But she left word with the house-man to tell me that 
she had the pin — and her address. 

Rand. And what did you do ? 

Dicky. Why, the only thing there was to do. I took 
the next train for Atlantic City to find her and get the 
pin. 

Rand. And you got it. 

Dicky. N-o— I— D-i-d-n'-t. 

Semple. Oh, ho — it thickens some more! 

Dicky {hotly). Say — you — you — old — you old, funny- 
face — where do you get that stuff? I say it doesn't 
thicken — It doesn't — do you get that? 

Orme. Sh! Shsh! Don't get riled up, Dicky, boy. 
No harm meant. 

Dicky. Gad! My nerves are all jangling so, that I 
guess I don't know a joke from a wedding announce- 
ment. 

Lodge. They're very often one and the same thing. 

Rand. But tell us, my boy, why didn't you get the 
pin ? Did you find the young lady ? 

Dicky. Find her ! Sure I found her. In the swellest 
hotel in Atlantic City. And, I don't care how it sounds, 
for it's the truth and I'm not ashamed of it. She 
staked me to enough money to come up here. I hated to 



THE HUT 5I 

borrow from a girl — but I couldn't help myself — I was 
dead flat busted — broke! 

Orme. But why come up here ? Why didn't she give 
you the pin and have done with it ? 

Dicky. Well, because, Dad, she had put the pin for 
safe keeping into her bag, all wrapped up in some of her 
silk lingerie, and the fool chauffeur that drove her uncle 
got her suitcase mixed with his. Her uncle was coming 
up to Spillane's for a nerve cure and rest — and he's got 
the pin ! 

(While Dicky is talking, Semple stands transfixed 
with astonishment.) 

Semple. What! W-h-a-t! What's that you say? 
Atlantic City ! Exchange suitcases ! Say, young fellow, 
who the devil is this girl that you are talking about ? 

Dicky. Why — Rosamond Carpenter — the girl who 

Semple. My niece! 

Lodge. My girl ! 

(Semple and Lodge stand and stare at each other.) 

Semple (to Lodge). Your girl! 
Lodge. Your niece ! Well — I'll be 



(He is speechless with amazement.) 

Orme. Yes, yes, that's all very nice, all very fine, but 
we've got to find that pin. 

Carl. Funny we didn't see any sign of it when we 
took the things out the day Mr. Semple came. 

Rand. But did you take them all out ? 

Carl. Well, to tell the truth, I don't remember. 

Mac. Weel, there's the suitcase over there in the 
corner, just as it first came. Semple, here, was so angry, 
he wouldna even have it in his bunk. 

(Brings suitcase to table. Semple and Lodge engage 
in animated conversation apart from the rest.) 

Rand. You've no objection to our looking, eh, Semple? 
Semple. Certainly not, certainly not Go the limit, 
as far as I'm concerned. 



52 THE HUT 

(Rand takes out one piece of lingerie after another, 
shaking each out carefully, until finally the pin drops 
out on the floor.) 

Dicky. Thank Heaven ! {Picks it up and gives it to 
Orme. ) Now will you believe me, Dad ? 

Orme. Indeed I will, son, and Til never doubt your 
word again. {Opens shirt collar and takes pearls from 
neck.) Here's the rest of the junk, son, and I guess 
we've both learned a good lesson. 

Dicky. Dad! The pearls! Where did you get 
them? 

Orme. Oh, Til tell you all about it a little later. Let's 
change the subject now, and see what's happening to the 
rest of these folks here. 

Rand. Well, Jimmy, have you made up your mind to 
ask that young lady now ? 

Lodge. I don't see how I can, sir. Not until I have 
a better job, anyway. 

Semple. He's as stubborn as a mule. I've just been 
telling him 

{Enter Abner on the run.) 

Abner. The telephone's ringing like mad, Mr. Mac. 

Mac {taking keys from pocket). Weel, I'm much too 
interested in the goings on here to leave just now. Here, 
Jimmy, you run over and get the message. If I don't 
get rid of you in a hurry, we'll have another argument 
started in a minute. 

(Lodge takes keys and exits with Abner.) 

Carl. You'll never get anywhere with Jimmy, Mr. 
Semple. He's as proud as Lucifer, and he'd rather die 
than have any one say that he married a girl for her 
money. 

Semple. But he's young yet! He'll make money! 
He's got the right stuff in him. Why, with my influence 
behind him 

Rand. And mine ! 

Carl. Gee ! I'm glad to hear you men say that. I'm 



THE HUT 53 

just tickled! It's different with me, you see. I know 
that there's nothing more for me, but I sure would like 
to see Jimmy get his reward. He deserves it. 

Rand. And isn't there really anything higher up in 
your office that you could do, if you got the chance? 

Carl. Oh, sure. Why, there are a couple of plums 
right in the service that pay twice as much money as I 
am getting, and are not half the work, but you have to be 
a friend of the gov 

{Enter Lodge who looks puzzled.) 

Lodge. Say, Mac, there's something queer about that 
telephone call. Either they've got the wires crossed, or I 
don't understand English, but they insisted that they had 
it right. 

Semple. Well, well, what is it? What is it? Don't 
be so confounded long-winded about it 



{Claps Lodge on shoulder; the latter laughs.) 

Lodge. Why — it was the State House on the wire. A 
man who says he is the Governor's private secretary 
wishes to say that urgent business makes it imperative 
that the Governor return to the city before five o'clock 
to-morrow. Can you make anything out of it ? 

(Mac looks at Rand, who nods affirmatively.) 

Mac. Why yes, I think I can make a good deal out 
of it. Come here, John, my lad, and let me present you 
to these boys in your true colors. Gentlemen, Mr. John 
Rand Hilliard, Governor of the Commonwealth. 

Lodge {in utter astonishment and dismay). The Gov- 
ernor ? 

(Claps hand to his head. Others all crowd round 
Rand with various exclamations of congratulation. 
Hand-shaking, etc.) 

Semple. Now I know why your face looked so 
familiar. 

Carl. Of course, only you've shaved off your mus- 
taches, haven't you? (Rand nods.) 



54 THE HUT 

Orme. Well, well, well. And here we've been rub- 
bing elbows with a celebrity all this time and didn't have 
sense enough to know it. Dicky, you're a lucky boy that 
he happened to be here. 

Dicky. I know it. {Holds out hand to Rand.) And 
I'll never forget, sir, what you did for me. 

Rand. Don't even mention it, my boy. It was little 
enough that I could do. I hope you'll forget the whole 
miserable business and never even think of it again. {He 
goes to Lodge and holds out his hand.) And now, 
Jimmy, my boy, if I promise to do better in the future, 
will you shake hands with a " big Stiff " and a " Piker," 
this once ? 

Lodge {miserably). Gosh! Your Excellency ! I feel 
like a nickel multiplied by six. I don't know how you 
can even be willing to offer me your hand. I suppose 
I'm fired now good and proper; and I guess it serves me 
right. 

Rand. Fired! Fiddlesticks! Of course you're not 
fired. I deserved every bit you said, for letting such con- 
ditions exist right under my very face and eyes and not 
finding out more about them. {He grips Lodge's hand and 
then Carleton's.) In about two weeks {To Lodge.) 
you go and call for Miss Rosamond Carpenter some 
pleasant afternoon and bring her and Mrs. Carleton down 
to my office to see me — will you? Then I'll show you 
and Hal a couple of new pegs on which to hang your 
hats during business hours. What do you say ? 

Lodge. What do I say? W-e-1-1 — I say, "Three 
cheers, boys, and all together " — One — " To the ladies." 

All. Hooray ! 

Lodge. T-w-o— To " The Hut." 

All. Hooray ! 

Lodge. T-h-r-e-e— To " The Governor." 

All. H-o-o-r-a-y ! 

Dicky. T-i-g-e-r ! 



QUICK CURTAIN 



OLD DAYS IN DIXIE 

A Comedy-Drama in Three Acts 

By Walter Ben Hare 

Five males, eight females. Scene, a single interior. Costumes of the 
period. Plays two hours and a quarter. Beverly Bonfoey, a high type 
of Southern gentleman, loves Azalea, his mothers ward, but Raoul 
Chaudet, a Canadian adventurer, to whom he has given the hospitality of 
Bonfoey, steals her love. Forced to leave suddenly because of crooked 
money transactions, he persuades her to elope, but this is prevented by a 
wonderfully dramatic device. Beverly then challenges Raoul, who shows 
the white feather and runs away, and Beverly, to save the family honor, 
assumes the consequences of his swindling transactions. The untying of 
this knot is the plot of a strong play with a genuine Southern atmosphere 
written wholly from the Southern point of view. Royalty, #:t>.oo for the 
first and #5.00 for subsequent performances by the same cast, 

-Price, jj cents 

CHARACTERS 

The Prologue, the Goddess of the South. 

Madame Bonfoey, mistress of the plantation* 

Azalea, her ward. 

Nancy, Azalea s sister. 

Cousin Sallie Sellers, from a neighboring estate. 

Phcebe, a little coquette. 

Mary Rose, Phoebe s sister. 

Mam* Dicey, the house mammy. 

Beverly Bonfoey, the young heir. 

Judge Pennymint, his uncle. 

Raoul Chaudet, a visitor from Quebec. 

Cameo Clemm> from the city. 

Unker Shad, a bit of old mahogany . 

Beaux and Belles of Dixie. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
Act I. The drawing-room of the Bonfoey Plantation in 184.9. 
The letter. 
Act II. The dinner party. The duel. 
Act III. An April morning, three years later. The return. 

THE ORIGINAL TWO BITS 

A Farce in Two Acts 

By Hazel M. Robinson 

Written for and presented by The Invaders Club of the UmUn 

Baptist Church of Letviston, Maine 

Seven females. Scene, an interior. Plays twenty minutes. The ^irls 
in camp receive a visit from a neighbor and have to borrow the neighbor's 
own dinner in order to feed them. They almost get away with it — not 
quite. Irish comedy character, eccentric aunt, rest straight. 

Price, 23 cents 



students at 
Hatton Hall School. 



CAMP FIDELITY GIRLS 

A Comedy in Four Acts 

By Edith Lowell 

Dramatized by permission from the well-known story by 

Annie Hamilton Donnell 

One male, eleven females. Scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours, 
A jolly party of girls occupy an old farmhouse for the summer and there 
discover a secret that makes for the happiness and prosperity of a poor 
little cripple. A very " human " piece full of brightness and cheer and 
with a great variety of good parts. 

Price, SS cents 

CHARACTERS 
Barbara Wetherell 
Judy Wetherell, her sister 
Jessica Thayer 

Mary Shepherd, otherwise Plain Mary 
Edna Hull 
Mrs. Tucker, a next-door neighbor. 
Johnnie Tucker, known as Johnnie-Son* 
Barnaby Campbell, a big child. 
Jennie Brett, a country girl. 
Cousin Salome. 
Aunt Elizabeth. 
Uncle Jeff. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act I. Room at Hatton Hall School. 

Act II. Scene I. Camp Fidelity. Afternoon. Scene II. The 
next morning. 

Act III. Scene I Same. Two weeks later. Scene II. Midnight. 

Act IV. Scene I. Same. Six weeks later. Scene II. A half 
hour later. 

MARRYING MONEY 

A Play in One Act 
By Alice L. Tildesley 
Four females. Scene, an interior. Plays half an hour. The girls seek 
a job with the millionaire's mother and one of them gets one for life with 
the millionaire. One eccentric character and three straight. 

Price, 25 cents 

THE OVER-ALLS CLUB 
A Farce in One Act 
By Helen Sherman Griffith 
Ten females. Scene, an interior. Plays half an hour. The " Over- 
Alls Club " meets for the first time in its denim costume with enthusiasm 
for economy that only lasts until young Dr. Ellery is announced. Finishes 
in pretty gowns. 

Price, 23 cents 



AMATEURS' SUPPLIES 

PREPARED BURNT CORK— Will not dry out. Always in 
condition for immediate use. Easily removed. Enough 

for four people. Per box (about 2 oz.) $ .30 

One-half ib., $1.00 ; per lb 1.85 

SPIRIT GUM— For sticking on whiskers, etc. Easily 

removed with Cocoa Butter or Cold Cream. Per bottle. .35 
COLD CREAM — For removing grease paints, spirit gum, 

etc. In tubes 30 

COCOA BUTTER— For same purpose as Cold Cream 30 

CLOWN WHITE— For Pantomimes, Clowns, Statuary, etc. 

Per box 30 

CARMINE LINER— Per stick 30 

BLUE — For the eyes. Per stick 30 

EYE BROW PENCILS— Black, Brown. In nickel-plated 

metal tubes. Each 25 

GRENADINE OR LIP ROUGE 35 

THEATRICAL BLENDING POWDER— Thoroughly hides 
oily appearance of grease paints. Not to be confused 
with street powder. No. 1, White; No. 2, Flesh; No. 3, 
Brunette; No. 4, Rose Tint for juvenile heroes; No. 7, 
Healthy Sunburn; No. 10, Sallow for both young and 
old age; No. 11, all ruddy exposed characters; No. 17, 

American Indian, East Indian, Othello .40 

ROUGE DE THEATRE— No. 18, Medium shade for juve- 
nile and fair complexion; No. 36, Brunette for decided 
brunette types; No. 24, Deep Rose for darker hues. 

Per box 35 

HAIR POWDER— White only. To gray or whiten the 

hair or beard 35 

POWDER PUFFS— For applying blending powder 30 

HARE'S FEET— For blending make-up 30 

STOMPS — Leather, for lining face for wrinkles, etc 30 

NOSE PUTTY— For building up nose or chin 35 

EMAIL NOIR OR BLACK WAX— Black, for stopping out 

teeth 35 

WATER COSMETIQUE or MASCARO— White, Black, 
Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde, Red, for coloring 
the beard, eyebrows or hair at temples to match wig. 

Removed with soap and water. Each 35 

MAKE-UP PENCILS— Light Flesh, Dark Flesh, Brown, 
Black, White, Gray, Carmine, Pink and Crimson. Set 

in a box 1-35 

LINING PENCILS— Black, Brown, Crimson, Gray and 

White. Each .20 

LADIES' BEAUTY BOX— For stage or toilet use. Con- 
tains Flesh Color Face Powder, Theatrical Cold Cream, 
Theatre Rouge, Eyebrow Pencil, Powder Puff, Hare's 
Foot, Flesh Color Exora Cream and Lip Ron^c I.35 

Always send your orders to 

WALTER H. BAKER CO., Boston, Mass. 
»w tj— ^r it it it ir Tnrv v *v tt v y y *y ^- y j y^8P 



1 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




AMATEURS' SI 015 939 942 4 $ 



MAKE-UP BOX — For either Gentleman or Lady, a handsome 
japanned tin case, with lock and key, and containing the 
following articles: A set of Grease Paints (nine colors), 
Blending Powder (two colors), Rouge de Theatre, Eyebrow 
Pencil, Gren .ne or Lip Rouge, Blue for the Eyes, Nose 
Putty, Email Noir or Black Wax, Mascaro or Water Cos- 
metique and Brush, Spirit Gum and Brush, Powder Puff, 
Cocoa Butter, Burnt Cork, Two Artist's Stomps, Hare's 
Foot, Mirror, Scissors and Five Colors of Crepe Hair. All 
these articles are of the best quality. The actual listed value 
of the articles enumerated, all of which are included with 
our complete Make-Up Box, would be over $7.00; so that 
the handsome carrying case is included at no additional cost 
when you buy this outfit. By express, shipping charges not 
paid $7.00 



GREASE PAINTS 

No. No. 

1. Very Pale Flesh Color. 12. Olive, Healthy. 

2. Light Flesh, Deeper Tint. 1& Olive, Lighter Shade. 

3. ITatural Flesh Color for Juvenile Heroes. 14. Gypsy Flesh Color. 

4. Rose Tint Color :or Juvenile Heroes. 15. Othello. 
& Deeper Shade Color for Juvenile Heroes.16. Chinese. 

6. Healthy Sunburnt for Juvenile Heroes. 37. Indian. 

7. Healthy Sunburn';. Deeper Shade. 13. East Indian. 

8. Sallow, .' Youn * Men. 19. Japanese. 

9. Healthy Color, "Tor Middle Age. 20. Light Negro. 
10. Sallow, fcr 01<: Age. 21. Black. 
U. Ruddy, for Old Age. 22. White. 

(Done up in sticks of 4 inches in length at 30c each.) 

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES 

FOR YOUR MINSTREL SHOW 

Minstrel Chorus Wigs (special price by the dozen), each. . . .$1.25 

End Men's Fancy Wig 2.25 

Fright Wig (Mechanical) 3.00 

"Uncle Tom" Wig. 2.25 

" Topsy" Wig 2.25 

Sonnetts or Clappers (per pair) 25 

Paper Collars (end men) 15 

Dress Shirt Fronts 35 

Stage Jewelry: Shirt Stud 50 

Large Diamond Ring 75 

Stage Money : 20 sheets 10 

100 sheets 40 

Always send your orders to 

WALTER H. BAKER (XX, Boston, Mass* > 

181435 



